The longlist also highlights a resurgence in political songwriting, thanks to artists like Declan McKenna, whose recent single Isombard lampoons right-wing US news network Fox News.

The 17-year-old from Hertfordshire previously took aim at Fifa on the song Brazil, which laments the destruction of thousands of homes in preparation for the 2016 World Cup.

Post-punk quartet Cabbage have written songs about Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump, while displaying a streak of dark humour that echoes fellow Mancunian John Cooper Clarke.

Image copyrightReuters

Previous BBC Sound Of… winners

2016 – Jack Garratt

2015 – Years and Years

2014 – Sam Smith

2013 – Haim

2012 – Michael Kiwanuka

2011 – Jessie J

2010 – Ellie Goulding (pictured)

2009 – Little Boots

2008 – Adele

2007 – Mika

2006 – Corinne Bailey Rae

2005 – The Bravery

2004 – Keane

2003 – 50 Cent

International artists on the list include hotly-tipped rapper Anderson .Paak, who shot to fame after featuring on Dr Dre’s Compton soundtrack last year; and Maggie Rogers, who left Pharrell Williams speechless earlier this year.

The star producer was asked to critique one of her songs during a masterclass at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute. But as the song progressed, the stunned look on his face gave way to quiet awe.

“Wow,” he said. “I have zero notes.”

A video of their encounter went viral; with the song, Alaska, streamed more than 21 million times. Rogers has since signed a deal with Polydor Records.

Image copyrightI Am Other / YouTube

Image caption
Pharrell Williams was taken aback by Maggie Rogers’ blend of folk and dance music

Gravel-voiced singer Rag N Bone Man hails from Brighton and sounds like a modern-day Joe Cocker. He may already be familiar to viewers of Later… With Jools Holland after performing a stunning acoustic version of his single Human in September.

The song is already a major hit outside the UK and is currently spending its ninth week at the top of the German singles chart.

There are also spots for electro-pop enigma The Japanese House, Reading-based rock band The Amazons and singer-songwriter Tom Grennan, who recently appeared on the Chase Status single When It All Goes Wrong.